A short essay in which analyzes rhetorical strategies President Lincoln used in his second Inaugral Adress, one month before the end of the Civil War.

All great speeches contain ingenious rhetorical strategies. It is a great way to captivate and relate the gist of it all to the audience. In his second Inaugural address, Abraham Lincoln's purpose was to reflect on the ever-lasting Civil War and look forth to peace. His strategy is to convey his view with God as his witness. President Lincoln successfully achieves his purpose of contemplating the effects of the Civil War and offering his vision …

…parallelism, "Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away (61-63)," serves to put emphasis on the magnitude of the problems war has brought forth and how crucial it is to cease. Lincoln uses inclusive rhetorical strategies to accomplish his purpose to reflect on the Civil War and offer his vision for the future of the nation, "With malice toward none, and with charity for all (70)."